LAUSR

Abstract This study discusses how tourism enriches children and how children conceptualize their tourist world under two scenarios (recreational and red tourism). Chinese urban children demonstrate a rich sense of tourism and treat it as an upgraded version of the daily play that is more fun and exhilarating. In children's eyes, recreational tourism refers to children enjoying a good time with their parents, while red tourism offers educational opportunities that promote values such as patriotism and collectivism. A child's tourist world is different (but not inferior) to the adult tourist world. These findings reveal children's perspectives and can help improve the practice of children's and family tourism.